Paclitaxel as a radiosensitizer combined with fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy in the treatment of recurrent medulloblastoma

Am J Clin Oncol. 1997 Jun;20(3):233-6. doi: 10.1097/00000421-199706000-00004.

Abstract

This report describes the treatment of a 39-year-old man with recurrent medulloblastoma previously treated with extensive chemotherapy and radiation therapy. A novel treatment technique combining paclitaxel (275 mg IV bolus) and fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (30 Gy in six fractions over 3 weeks) was given to palliate the patient's significant neurologic symptoms. The patient experienced a significant improvement both radiographically and in the quality of his life at follow-up 5 months after completion of treatment. No toxicity has been observed. The treatment of medulloblastoma with paclitaxel and fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy, either alone or in combination, merits further investigation.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cerebellar Neoplasms / surgery*
  • Chemotherapy, Adjuvant
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Medulloblastoma / surgery*
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / surgery*
  • Paclitaxel / therapeutic use*
  • Palliative Care / methods*
  • Quality of Life
  • Radiation-Sensitizing Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Radiosurgery / methods*
  • Radiotherapy Dosage

Substances

  • Radiation-Sensitizing Agents
  • Paclitaxel